Prevalence of Plasmodium spp. in humans and cattle: Implications for zoonotic malaria transmission in Indonesia.

Background and aim: Zoonotic malaria remains a significant public health concern in Southeast Asia. The potential role of cattle as reservoirs for Plasmodium spp. in Indonesia has not been fully elucidated, despite increasing recognition of animal reservoirs in malaria transmission dynamics. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Plasmodium spp. in humans and cattle in a malaria-endemic region of Indonesia to explore the potential for zoonotic transmission and inform integrated control strategies aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3.3.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between March to July 2024 involving 41 human participants and 43 cattle. Blood samples were collected and analyzed using endpoint polymerase chain reaction techniques targeting Plasmodium genus-specific DNA sequences. The infection prevalence in both populations was determined, and the results were interpreted to assess the risk of zoonotic malaria transmission.

Results: All human blood samples tested negative for Plasmodium spp., corresponding to a 0% infection rate (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0%-8.5%). In contrast, one cattle sample tested positive, resulting in a 2.33% infection rate among cattle (95% CI: 0.06%-12.0%). The positive detection in cattle was confirmed by a distinct 240 base pairs band through agarose gel electrophoresis. The absence of infections in humans suggests the effectiveness of current public health measures, while the presence of Plasmodium DNA in cattle underscores the potential role of cattle as parasite reservoirs.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of integrating animal health surveillance into malaria elimination programs under the One Health framework. Although no zoonotic transmission to humans was observed, the detection of Plasmodium spp. in cattle warrants continuous surveillance, improved livestock management practices, and targeted vector control measures. Further studies with species-specific molecular diagnostics and broader geographic coverage are recommended to clarify the zoonotic potential and transmission dynamics involving cattle.